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So Choix Subscription Box Review + Coupon – November 2016

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeDec 3, 2016 | 12 comments

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So Choix is a new way to try and buy makeup where we bring the makeup counter to you!” So Choix is a makeup sampling subscription service that sends you hand-made samples of brand name, beauty counter products. Each month, subscribers have the options to choose all or a few of their beauty samples or to be totally surprised. FYI - Choix now offers a “No Subscription”/a la carte option for those that want to try a few things without the commitment.

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All the samples they send are hand-made from authentic full-size products and brand new sample containers. They use high hygiene standards and never even touch the product itself. This is a process which allows them to send completely uncontaminated products to you, which I really appreciate considering that the lipsticks and products sitting on some stores’ shelves have been touched and poked by hundreds of other people.

You can click here to learn more about how they make their samples.

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My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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The Subscription Box: So Choix

The Cost: $15 a month + free shipping, with discounts available for longer-length prepaid subscription commitments. You also get 250 points ($5 Choix store credit) each month (click here to read more about their points system)

New Deal: Existing subscribers can save $5 off So Choix Looks Boxes. No coupon needed, just sign-in and choose a Looks box here!

The Products: 5 luxury beauty samples of your choice from the Choix store. I chose all of my own samples this month.

Ships to: U.S. only

Check out all of our So Choix reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

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Each box has a sticker on the inside listing the details of each of your samples. They also always send you fresh disposable application tools to use with your samples!

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Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream – full size price:  $52

Eye cream is something I can’t live without. This cream is light and hydrating! It feels like a fresh drink of water, and I love using it before bed as well as to prep my under eyes for makeup (or during the day, even – I’m obsessed with eye creams).

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Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer in Porcelain 1 – Full size price: $31

This undereye concealer didn’t impress me. Unfortunately, I ran into a constant issue I have with complexion products: it wasn’t as light as I needed from the lightest shade offered. I was surprised that it was a usable color but I like to use an even lighter shade under my eyes to cheat some brightness and make me look more awake. Aside from that, though, the formula was very thick and crease-y. It worked best if I warmed it with my fingers before dabbing on, and then blended with a Micro Mini Beauty Blender. It had very full coverage so I think this would work better for someone who needs heavy-duty dark-circle coverage.

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Tarte Water Foundation, WF Fair Neutral – full size price: $39

I have dry skin so I try every hydrating foundation formula I can try. Tarte’s Tinted Moisturizer is light enough for me in the lightest shade, so I was a little sad that the lightest shade of this new Water foundation wasn’t the same color. It’s darker, but just still works for me. I have to say I really like this foundation a lot. It’s hydrating and light (feels like nothing!) but still has really nice coverage. It made my skin look extra even and smooth. It’s definitely one I recommend!

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Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner, Canvas – full-size price: $28

The color shown on So Choix’s website for this shade is much lighter than I expected from the indicator online. That being said, I still love the color. It’s a pretty pink nude. The formula is very dry, though, and I found myself reaching for a chapstick to wear over it.  Even though it was really dry it didn’t emphasize any dry patches on my lips, which is great.

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, Ethereal Glow – full size price: $38

I’ve been wanting to try Hourglass’s blushes forever, and I was really happy to see that So Choix managed to keep the swirls in the powder that is such a selling point in the full-sizes. I underestimated how much the swirls of highlighter lightened up the overall color-payoff shade, though! The pink in this is a gorgeous shade, but it’s not the color you end up with. Ultimately, it ends up as a very, very pale pink that would honestly probably work well as just a highlighter.

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Here’s a swatch of the eyeliner, blush, foundation, then concealer.

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Here’s my look using this month’s samples! I love the lip liner and as long as I top it with a balm it’s one I could wear every day. The blush comes off a little too pale even for me.  It works, but is probably one that works best to balance out a dramatic lip or eye.

Verdict: I am seriously having so much fun with So Choix thus far. I’ve been able to try so many brands that are new to me and/or aren’t sold anywhere convenient near me. I love that they have new releases, too.  It’s hard to do an exact cost-breakdown for this box because of the hand-made samples, but being able to try so many different brand name cosmetics and skincare products plus getting 250 points ($5 store credit) every month feels fun and worth it to me, especially considering my own lifestyle (toddler mom, living far from any kind of access to any of these). I’ve loved browsing their products and creating my queue online so I can’t wait for future months!

What do you think about So Choix? Have you tried their service before?

Haley Faye
Haley Faye
Haley Faye first discovered the wonderful world of subscription boxes in 2012 and began writing for MSA in 2014. Over the years, she has found many subscriptions to love. Now a mom of three, her favorite boxes are ones that dress her kids, help her get organized, feed her family, send her snacks, and offer educational fun for her children.

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12 comments

Teresa

Love so Choix, have the yearly membership from last March I think when they ran a 120yr offer(10$mo). Aside from the 250pts that you get just for getting each monthly box, if you review the items on their site you get another 25pts per item(so 375pts a month or 7.50approx). With only prepaying 10$mo, it is really a great value for me! Tend to use my pts though for free bonus items, sometimes they clear out certain bonus/deluxe sz items for 100pts each so you can really stock up(got a bunch of lash primers that way)

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Ragan

I find that the colors shown on the So Choix website are not always very reflective of what you will receive. What you actually get is accurate based on the color number/name, but if you are considering sampling a product, it may be best to look at Ulta or Sephora or the manufacturer’s site for what the color will actually look like, then going ahead and ordering the sample.

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Katherine

I’m waiting on my second package from So Choix, and trying to remain optimistic. I liked the products I received last time, but was so disappointed in the applicators I received! I ordered 1 lipstick, 2 foundations, 1 pressed powder and 1 concealer (all in little pots) and received 1 stiff bristle brush, and 1 soft bristle brush, both of the long skinny variety. No doe foot foam applicator for the lipstick, no blush type brush for the pressed powder, just those 2 awkward brushes. It just didn’t work, and didn’t make a great first impression. Hopefully this time they’ll send better applicators, or I may be done with this company.

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Ragan

I never use their applicators anyway. I don’t think they’re that great, and I would rather see how the products apply with my own (appropriately-sized, non-disposable) brushes, which are what I would use if I were going to buy the stuff in full size. Lip brushes are generally not doefoot foam brushes anyway, unless the products are liquids (like gloss or liquid lipstick) — lip brushes need to be a bit stiff for thicker products.

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Lori

They state on the website that customers asked them to cut down on applicators so they don’t send them as much, but if you contact cs and ask for them they’re happy to put them in your shipment.

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Sarah

It looks like a good sub, but unfortunately “fresh disposable application tools to use with your samples” just sounds like way too much plastic waste in today’s environmental situation. I can’t conscionably add to the Great Pacific Garbage patch this way, so I think it’s a pass from me.

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Beth

Good point. But I wonder if they can at least note in the profiles individuals who want the samples but don’t want the extra brushes etc, and thus not send them to those individuals.

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Beth

Haley, great review, as always! I did the Black Friday deal and am waiting for my first shipment.

I love that you show us the full look of the products in a photo of yourself at the end. Just curious – the eyeliner you are wearing – is it liquid or a pencil?

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Haley Faye

Beth, it’s Kat Von D’D’s tattoo liquid liner. It has a brush tip and makes liquid liner so easy and gives you so much control. It’s all I’ve worn for at least two years now!

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Beth

Thanks! I’m trying to improve my liner game. I’ll definitely check it out!

Chelsea R

Hey Haley,
I’m super pale, too, often too pale for the lightest concealer and foundation colors. In Kat Von D’s products, though, I am the third or fourth lightest shade!!! Give them a try because they cover a MUCH wider spectrum of skin tones than most brands. I know you used to work at Sephora so you already know you can go get matched with the right color and get a free sample with a few uses to see how you like them! I have dry skin and love both the Lock-It concealer and foundation.

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Haley Faye

Chelsea – yes! Kat Von D is fantastic for pale girls! I have tried her foundation in the past, and it works color-wise but it’s too heavy for my preferences! She’s great for full-coverage for those that like or need that, though! Thanks for reading 🙂

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